The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

for he quietly stole away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Halyrud-house, past to Stirling, subjected himself to the Cardinal and to his Council, received absolution,¹ renounced the profession of Christ Jesus his holy Gospel▪ and violated his Oath that before he had made, for the observation of the Contract and League made with England. At that time was our Queen crowned, and a promise made to France. The certainty hereof coming to King Henry, our Scottish Ships were stayed, the Sails taken from the Rigs, and the Merchants and Mariners were commanded to sure custody. New Commission was sent to Master Radulph Saidler (who then still remained in Scotland) to demand the cause of that sudden alteration, and to travel by all means possible, that the Governor might be called back to his former godly purpose, and that he would not do so foolishly, and dishonestly, yea, so cruelly and unmercifully to the Realm of Scotland: that he would not only lose the commodities offered, and that were presently to be received. But that also that he would put it to the hazard of fire and sword, and other inconveniences that might ensue the war that was to follow upon the violation of his Faith. But nothing could avail. The devil kept fast the gripe that he got, yea all the days of his government: For the Cardinal got his eldest son in pledge, whom he kept in the Castle of S. Andrews, while the day that Gods hand punished his pride. King Henry perceiving that all hope of the Governors repentance was lost, called back his Ambassadors, and that with fearful threatenings as Edinburgh after felt: Denounced War, made our Ships prises, and Merchants and Mariners lawful prisoners, which to the Burghs of Scotland was no small hership. But thereat did the Cardinal and Priests laugh, and jestingly he said, When we shall conquer England the Merchants shall be recompensed. The Summer and the Harvest passed over without any notable thing: For the Cardinal and Abbot of Paisley parted the prey amongst them; The abused Governor bare the name only. In the beginning of Winter came the Earle of Lenox to Scotland, sent from France in hatred of the Governor, whom the King (by the Cardinals advice) promised to pronounce Bastard, and so to make the said Earle Governor;

for he quietly stole away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Halyrud-house, past to Sterlin, subjected himselfe to the Cardinall and to his Councell, received absolution,